Door-to-door solicitors in Bristol County cities need a local hawker/peddler or canvasser permit, often with CORI background check. State license under MGL c. 101 covers commercial peddlers.
Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, and Bristol County municipalities require door-to-door commercial solicitors to register with the police department or licensing board. Applicants complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) background check and receive a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly. Permits typically run 30 to 180 days. Soliciting hours are usually 9 AM to sunset or 9 PM. MGL c. 101 §22 governs state hawker/peddler licenses for commercial peddlers traveling between towns. Religious and political canvassers are generally exempt under First Amendment protections (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society v. Village of Stratton, 2002). Charitable solicitors may need separate registration under MGL c. 68 §§18-35 through the AG's Division of Public Charities.
Soliciting without permit: $100 to $500 citation under local bylaw and MGL c. 101 §29. Violating hours: $100 to $250. Failure to display badge: $50 to $200.
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See how Bristol County's solicitor permits rules stack up against other locations.
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